Jalon Richard Leach

Jalon Richard Leach, 72, of Wappapello, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at his residence.

Mr. Leach, son of the late John C. and Maye (Welch) Leach, was born July 8, 1935, in Poplar Bluff, and was of the Baptist faith. He was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, class of 1953, and a graduate of Rolla School of Minds, Sigma Tau Gamma, class of 1961. Mr. Leach had retired from Rockwell International/Boeing, in Texas after 35 years, and from West Coast University, in California after 30 years of dedicated teaching. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, 451 Fighter Day Squadron; and a member of the Prometheus Society. Mr. Leach enjoyed fishing and gardening, and all aspects of the computer age.

On June 30, 1973, he married Elsie Mowder, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.

Other survivors include eight children, Jalon Richard Leach, Jr., of San Francisco, Calif., Jeffery R. Leach, of Sweden, Janine R. Tiller and husband Jimmy, of Pittston, Mich., John Francis Steele, of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Lena K. Addeo and husband John, of Stockton, Calif., Terry L. Braun and husband Frank, of Millersville, Pa., Sharron K. Charles and husband Geoffrey, of Lakewood, Calif. and Lori Ann P. Saunders and husband Daniel, of Norwalk, Calif.; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Janette Howard and husband Hersel, of Portland, Oreg.; and two brothers, Joseph Leach and wife Joan, of Bossier City, La. and Jerry Leach and wife Violet, of Tampa, Fla.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Underhill officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.